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Electrabel and E.ON invest in sustainable technology on the Evonik Degussa site in Antwerp

Electrabel, GDF SUEZ Group and E.ON have together invested 50 million euro in a joint venture for construction and operation of a second cogeneration plant (CHP) on the Evonik Degussa site in the port of Antwerp.

Tailor-made solution

The chemical company Evonik Degussa and Electrabel have already partnered one another in operation of a cogeneration plant with an electrical capacity of 42 megawatt (MW). As a result of a rise of their productive capacity, Evonik Degussa looked for a partner in building a second cogeneration plant of 42 MW. The company chose for a 50/50 joint venture between Electrabel and E.ON, named Lillo Energy. The three parties signed an agreement in 2007 under which both energy companies assume responsibility for operating the new and existing cogeneration plant.

Cogeneration

The principle of cogeneration consists of the combined production of electricity and heat (in this case steam), so that almost no energy goes to waste. A similar combination of electricity and heat production uses up to 30% less fuel than conventional generation units.

The new plant is able to achieve overall energy efficiency of 85%, thanks to the best technology available. To save even more energy, the CHP not only uses natural gas as fuel, but also waste gasses from the Evonik Degussa production facilities. Thanks to those energy savings, CO2 emissions of about 80,000 tons annually will be avoided.

This joint collaboration with Evonik Degussa underlines the ambition of both Electrabel and E.ON to invest in additional generating capacity in Belgium.

The cogeneration plant has been inaugurated festively in the presence of Flemish prime minister Kris Peeters on 24 February 2011.

About Electrabel:
Electrabel is part of the GDF SUEZ Group, a world leader in energy and environment, which develops its businesses around a model based on responsible growth to take up today’s major energy and environmental challenges: meeting energy needs, ensuring the security of supply, fighting against climate changes and maximising the use of natural resources. Electrabel is market leader on the Benelux market. In this market, the company produces electricity and sells electricity, natural gas and energy services. It manages diversified generating facilities of 16500 MW. The company offers its six million residential, professional and industrial customers energy solutions with added value and a customised service.

About E.ON:
E.ON AG is a stock exchange-listed energy company with more than 26 million customers in 30 countries. E.ON has about 88,000 employees and has an annual turnover of € 82 billion. E.ON Benelux produces and supplies energy, heat and gas for the residential and business markets. The company has approximately 1910 MW installed capacity in the Netherlands and is a plant with an electrical capacity of approximately 1070 MW under construction. The plants of E.ON Benelux in the Netherlands are located in the province of South Holland, the economic heart of the Netherlands. E.ON Benelux has also plants in Belgium with an installed capacity of approximately 940 MW, namely in Vilvoorde (Brussels) and in Langerlo (Genk).

About Evonik Degussa:
Evonik Industries creates valuable and essential products, with a clear focus on speciality chemicals. With our innovative products, our 38,000 employees around the world are helping to build the future. Evonik Degussa Antwerp has approx 1,000 employees and belongs with 11 production plants to the group’s largest multi-user sites.